Page 54 of Bound to the Bratva
I grab the front of his shirt, yanking him closer until we’re nose to nose. “Well, you’ve impressed the wrong people. Now, you’re going to tell me everything you know.” I can feel the racing of his heart through the cheap fabric. “And you’d better not leave anything out. I want every minuscule detail, do you hear me?”
“I...I don't know nothing, I swear!” He raises his hands in a placating gesture, the fear palpable. “I was just, you know, talking big to the guys, trying to impress 'em. Didn’t mean no harm.”
Fuck this. I pull my blade out of my pocket and flip it open, pressing it against his thick neck. I hold his gaze, unwavering, the blade glinting menacingly in the low light. Beads of sweat break out on his brow.
I tighten my grip, slamming him harder against the wall. “You’ve got one more chance, Bruce. What. Have. You. Been. Saying?”
His adam’s apple bobs as he swallows thickly. “Fine, I’ll tell you! Fuck! I...I heard some things about the hit on your wife. Whispers on the street, you know? People sayin’ it was that Andreev girl behind it.”
Andreev girl, but which one? There’s Natalya, and her younger sister, Roksana.
My jaw clenches, rage bubbling beneath the surface. “Which one?”
Bruce swallows hard before answering me. “The eldest one.”
So, Natalya was behind this. That conniving bitch. I should have known she would’ve been upset my father cast her aside and chose Aria.
“Is there anything else I should know?” I growl, pressing the blade harder against his throat. A thin line of crimson blossoms, slowly sliding down his neck.
“That-that’s all I know, I swear!” he cries, trembling as I press my blade deeper against his skin. “Please, Maxim, I didn’t mean no trouble. Just loosen up, yeah?”
I study him for a long, tense moment, searching for any hint of deception. With a disgusted curl of my lip, I wipe the blade on his shirt and shove him on the ground. He lands there with a loud thud. “Learn to shut your fucking mouth, and get the hell out of my sight. I don’t ever want to see you again, Bruce, and as far as I’m concerned this is my club now. See to it the paperwork reflects that. You’re leaving with your life, a fair trade, don’t you think?”
Bruce’s eyes are wide, filled with fear. “More than fair, Maxim.”
With a wave of my hand Bruce scurries out of the office, his rotund form quaking with fear. A cold fury burns in my veins. Natalya Andreev tried to kill Aria. That conniving, power-hungry cunt had the audacity to orchestrate an attempt on my wife’s life.
God, she has no idea who she’s messing with. I know everything I need to know and she’s on the chopping block.
My grip tightens around the handle of the knife, knuckles turning white. I cannot allow this treachery to go unpunished. If others find out I’ve done nothing to her, they’ll begin acting out against me. I can’t have that happen. One day—I hope soon—I will be the head of the Bratva, and those below me will give me the respect I deserve.
The Andreev family have always been a thorn in my family’s side, constantly vying for more power, more influence. I understand wanting to level yourself up in the world, but there are good and bad ways to go about that. Going after my wife. That is unforgivable.
I take a steadying breath, mind racing as I weigh my options. I could go to Aria, tell her what I’ve learned. But no, that would only worry her more. This is my fight—my vendetta to settle.
With a decisive nod, I move around the desk, heading for the door. I have a visit to pay to the Andreev estate. Natalya will learn the hard way that you do not go after what is mine.
The drive to the Andreev compound is a blur, my foot heavy on the gas pedal. I’ve been having Andrei stay with Aria for obvious reasons. I’m seasoned enough in protecting myself, so I’ve told him I can manage.
However, Andrei has made it a point to tell me he’s going to call in one of his close friends to watch over me if he cannot. And as of right now, his job is to keep my beloved Aria safe.
Fuck, the thoughts of the attempt on her life piss me off to no end. Rage fuels my every movement, darkening my vision until all I can see is red. By the time I pull up to the imposing wrought-iron gates, my knuckles are white-knuckled on the steering wheel.
The guards at the gate regard me warily as I roll down the window. “Let me in, now.” I’m not going to be told no right now. I’m getting inside the Andreev estate and that’s that.
One of the men hesitates, but a glare from me has him scurrying to make the call. Within moments, the gates are swinging open, granting me access.
I waste no time driving up the long, winding driveway. I pull my car around so I have easy access to leave, and dart out of my car. My steps measured and purposeful. The grand double doors of the estate swing open before I even reach them, and there she stands— Natalya, resplendent in a flowing crimson gown, a coy smile on her ruby lips.
“Maxim,” she purrs, eyes glittering with barely-contained triumph. “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”
I pause at the threshold, my jaw clenching as I drink in the sight of her. She’d be beautiful if she wasn’t such a conniving piece of shit.
This is the woman who wanted to kill my wife. A woman who I could have helped gain power, if she hadn’t acted so foolishly. Now I’ll never help her.
“Cut the act, Natalya,” I growl, taking a step forward. “You know exactly why I’m fucking here.”
Her smile widens, a flash of satisfaction in her gaze. “Oh, I think I have an idea.” Turning, she gestures for me to follow. “Come, let’s discuss this somewhere more... private.”
